Portable Squat Step

ABSTRACT

A portable squat step having a first support member having a first base attached thereto and a second support member having a second base attached thereto is provided. The second support member is laterally separated from the first support member by a distance and connected thereto by an axle having a first end and a second end. The axel extends the distance between the first support member and the second support member such that the first end of the axle connects to the first support member and the second end of the axle connects to the second support member. The axle is connected to the first and second support members in a manner such that the axle is capable of moving in a forwards and a backwards direction relative to the first support member and the second support member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to weight lifting equipment, and more specifically to exercise equipment for completing one-legged squats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One-legged squats are a weightlifting exercise typically performed by bodybuilders, athletes, and individuals lifting weights. In order to complete a one-legged squat, the lifter typically balances a bar and any attached weight plates on their shoulders, and stands on one leg with their other leg extending behind them and resting on an element which keeps the leg elevated off the ground. The lifter will then bend the leg on which they are standing at the knee and drop to a squatting position before extending the leg back to a substantially straightened position. Standing on one leg while balancing a bar and any attached weights while performing the exercise requires both strength and balance. Finding an element on which an individual can rest their extended leg while maintaining that strength and balance can be difficult and involves less than ideal options.

One option that lifters typically use for resting their extended leg is a weight bench. Though typically stable, weight benches are less than ideal for use as a step or stool for resting the extended leg. For example, weight benches are typically cumbersome to move, if they are movable at all. Furthermore, since the surface of the weight bench is fixed, as a lifter squats, undue stress and resistance is placed on the foot, ankle, knee, quad, and hamstrings of the extended leg, i.e. the leg resting on the bench. Weight benches are typically fixed in height, so for lifters are shorter or taller, a weight bench may be less than ideal. Utilizing a weight bench may also cause unwanted wear and damage to the bench from the lifter extending their leg, foot, and shoes onto the surface of the bench.

Rather than use a weight bench, some lifters will utilize an arm or extension piece capable of connecting to a squat rack or other fixed body. Such an arm or extension may be connect to, or plug into, a matching receptacle at one end and extend outwards therefrom for a lifter to set their extend leg and/or foot on. The arms or extensions may be set at an approximate height for a lifter, and may be padded or otherwise to provide greater comfort to a lifter. However, such arms and extensions are limited in the locations they can be used, as they can only be used with elements which have a matching receptacle. Furthermore, since such arms or extensions only connect at one end, as a lifter squats on one leg, the arms or extensions may be forced down or dip at the unattached end. Movement of the unattached end may cause the lifter to be thrown off balance, lowering the effectiveness of the lift or potentially causing injury to the lifter or damage to surrounding people or structures. The arms or extensions are also generally fixed, and therefore do not provide any rotation or the like with the foot or leg of a rested extended leg, and therefore like a weight bench, may result in unwanted pressure or resistance being placed on a lifter's foot, ankle, and various parts of the lifter's legs.

Similar in construction, some lifters may rest their extended, non-squatting leg on the arm or extension of a leg extension machine. The arm or extension of a leg extension machine, like an arm or extension attached to a squat rack or other fixed body is attached at one end to the machine and extends laterally therefrom. Typically such machines may provide for some adjustment of the location of the arm or extension, as adjustment may be required to accommodate taller or shorter individuals. Such adjustment is generally limited, however. Like arms or extensions which connect to a squat rack, the unattached end of the arm or extension may dip or be forced down which will not only cause the same balance issues realized with arms or extensions designed for attachment to a squat rack, but may also cause damage to the machine. Leg extension machines are also very heavy and do not allow for any mobility, requiring a lifter to only do the one legged squat at the leg extension machine. Finally, while the arm or extension of a leg extension machine does generally allow for at least a little rotation so that some pressure and resistance on the extended foot and leg is relieved, such rotation is very limited resulting in some pressure and resistance still being imparted.

The present invention is provided to solve these and other issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable squat step having a stable base and an area for receiving a lifter's foot and/or leg which may be capable of both movement and rotation to reduce or eliminate pressure on a lifter's extended leg and/or foot, while being anchored at both ends to insure maximum balance and stability.

According to one aspect of the invention, a portable squat step having a first support member with a first base coupled thereto, and a second support member having a second base coupled thereto is provided. The second support member is laterally separated from the first support member by a distance and an axle having a first end and a second end connected to the first support member and the second support member respectively. The axle extends the distance between the first support member and the second support member such that the first end and is connected to the first and second support members in a manner such that the axle is capable of moving in a forwards and a backwards direction relative to the first and second support members.

The portable squat step may include a cross-connecting member having a first end and second end. The cross-connecting member extends the distance between the first support member and the second support member such that the first end of the cross-connecting member is coupled to the first support member and the second end of the cross-connecting member is coupled to the second support member.

The portable squat step may also include a cover element configured to engage and cover at least a portion of the axel. The cover element may be a cylindrical pad. The cylindrical pad may include a channel for receiving the axle, the channel being sized so that the cylindrical pad can rotate relative to the axle—even when pressure from the weight of a person's leg is imparted thereon.

In order to connect to the first and second support members of the portable squat machine and provide movement, the axle may be L-shaped at the first end and the second end. A portion of L-shaped first end being received within a first aperture formed in the first support member and a portion of the L-shaped second end being received within a second aperture formed in the second support member. At least two clamps may be provided so that one clamp is configured proximate each of the first aperture and the second aperture to engage the respective L-shaped first end and the L-shaped second end of the axle.

The axle may be constructed using any material known in the art and may be a steel rod, a wire, or the like, and may be formable or otherwise manipulateable to allow for the axle to be configured to match a specific height or shape for a lifter.

In order to provide more stability, and prevent the squat step from tipping over when in use, the first base and the second base may each include a weighted element. The weighted element may be formed within, or inserted into, each of the first and second base portions if hollow, or each of the first and second elements may be weighted themselves. The cross-connecting member may likewise include a weighted element.

In order to promote portability and reduce the weight of the portable squat step as necessary, the first support member, the second support member, the first base, and the second base may each be configured with a material and in a manner that will enable relatively easy movement from one location to another—while maintaining stability while in use.

The first base and the second base may also each include at least one through hole for receiving a fastener. Each through hole extends from a top surface of each respective base through a bottom surface of each respective base and may be capable of receiving a fastener to fasten the portable squat step to a surface, like a floor or platform, as desired to increase stability.

Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable squat step as contemplated by the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a portable squat step as contemplated by the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a portable squat step as contemplated by the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a portable squat step as contemplated by the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a portable squat step as contemplated by the invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the portable squat step of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there is described in detail herein, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1-4 shows an exploded elevation view of a portable squat step as contemplated by the invention. Portable squat step 10 includes first support member 12 having first base 14 coupled thereto and second support member 16 having second base 18 coupled thereto. Second support member 18 is laterally separated from first support member 12 by a distance D, and is connected to the second support member with axle 20 which extends distance D between the first and second support members.

The first and second support members and first and second bases may be constructed in any shape and using any material capable of providing a rigid, stable structure, in order to support and balance a lifter's foot and/or leg when engaged and in use. The first and second support members may be, for example made of plastic, wood, or metal and may be solid or hollow. Making the support members and/or base solid will provide additional stability to the overall device especially while in use. When hollow, inserts or the like may be provided which can be slid into and out of the base and/or support members to add weight and prevent movement when in use. In order to hold any inserts in place or prevent unwanted elements from entering the base or support members, caps 22 may be provided to close off any hollow portions. Making at least a portion of each support member hollow and providing inserts promotes maximum portability as the inserts may be removed to carry and move the squat step, while also providing the required weight and stability when the squat step is in use. Each support member or base may further include an attachment or weighted portion in order to prevent movement. Additionally, the option always exists to secure the squat step directly to the floor—although such is unnecessary and will detract from its portability.

In order to further promote stability, first and second base 14, 18 may include at least one through hole 24 which extends from top surface 26, 28 of first and second bases 14, 18 respectively, through a bottom surface positioned adjacent a floor or other surface on which the squat step is positioned for use. Fasteners 30 may be provided in order to secure squat step 10 to the floor or other surface and prevent movement when the squat step is in use. Fasteners 30 may be, for example, through bolts which may pass through the base into channels or holes formed in the floor or surface to prevent the squat step from sliding. Alternatively, where a threaded receptacle is provided, fasteners 30 may have a threaded end in order to secure the squat step and prevent it from both lifting and sliding.

Each support member may be coupled to its respective base in any number of ways. For example, each support member and base may be formed as a single, unitary piece. Alternatively, each support member and respective base may be formed as individual units that are attached or fastened to each other. The support members and base may be fastened to each other using known fastening elements such as screws, bolts, or the like.

In order to connect to both first support member 12 and second support member 16, axle 20 has first end 32 and second end 34. The axle is connected to the first and second support members in a manner such that the axle is capable of moving or swinging in a forwards and a backwards direction relative to the first support member and the second support member—shown as directions F and B in FIGS. 2 and 4. Movement in directions F and B will provide movement of the portion of the squat step which is engaged by the lifter's leg and/or foot. As the user squats and stands, the axle may move forwards and backwards substantially reducing or eliminating any stress on a lifter's foot and/or leg. Since the axle is connected at both ends to both the first support member and the second support member, the entire axle is supported and any concerns regarding one side of the axle dropping or being pushed down throwing a lifter off balance is substantially eliminated.

In order to allow movement or swinging and an area for engaging axle 20, the axle may be L-shaped at first end 32 and second end 34. In order to receive, engage, and become coupled to a portion of L-shaped first and second ends, first support member 12 may be provided with first aperture 36 and second support member 16 may be provided with second aperture 38.

Apertures 36, 38 may be configured to substantially match the ends of first and second ends 32, 34, allowing rotational movement of axle 20, or may have a slot or horizontal component to allow axle 20 to both rotate and slide if necessary. In order to lock and hold ends 32, 34 in place, at least one clamp 40 may be provided proximate each aperture. Each of the first and second ends may also, or alternatively, include a collar 42 which may be engaged by a clamp or aperture surface. The collar may be configured to have a greater diameter than the first and second end of aperture 20 and any clamp or aperture in order to prevent escape from the respective aperture.

Apertures 36, 38 may also include a longitudinal channel or slot component 37A, with multiple notches 39A or the like to allow for the adjustment in height of axle 20 to accommodate different sized users. Though only shown as being on first support member 12 in FIG. 1, it should be understood that a matching channel and notch structure may be provided on second support member 16. Such adjustments in direction H as shown in FIG. 3 may allow for taller or shorter lifters to adjust the position of the axle for resting their extended leg and/or foot. As shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 6 herein, multiple apertures may likewise be provided to allow for the adjustment of the height or positioning for axle 20.

Axle 20 may be formed using any number of materials. For example, axle 20 may be a steel or metal rod, may be a wire, may be a formed plastic, or any combination thereof. Axle 20 may also be completely or partially formable in order to adjust the height or configuration of the axle and any engagement area.

The portable squat step may also include cover element 44 which may be configured to engage and cover at least a portion of axel 20. Cover element 44 may be a shaped pillow or pad, like for example a cylindrical, rectangular, or ergonomically shaped pad, in order to provide comfort for a lifter having an extended foot and/or leg engaged with the squat step. Regardless of the shape of the pad, the pad may include an opening 46 and a channel 48 for receiving and rotationally fixing to axle 20. Alternatively, only a channel 48 may be provided and cover element 44 may be slid onto axle 20 over first end 32 or second end 34. Any channel formed in the cover element should be sized relative to the axle to allow the cover element to rotate relative to the axle in direction R as seen in FIG. 4, for example. Rotation further reduces or eliminates pressure or stress resulting on a lifter's foot and/or leg as the lifter squats and stands.

Cover element 44 may be formed of any number of materials, including but not limited to foam and rubber. In addition, the cover element may include support sleeve 49 that cooperates with the axle. The support sleeve may be positioned about the axle and facilitate rotation of the cover element even when weight by the lifter's leg and/or foot resting thereon is imparted thereto. Regardless of how cover element 44 is connected, different sizes of cover elements may be provided to accommodate different cushioning or size requirements for different lifters.

In order to provide further stability when a lifter is utilizing squat step 10, cross-connecting member 50 having first end 52 and second end 54 may be provided. Like axle 20, cross-connecting member 50 may extend the entire distance D between first support member 12 and second support member 16 so that the first end of the cross-connecting member is coupled to the first support member, and the second end of the cross-connecting member is coupled to the second support member.

Cross-connecting member 50 may be constructed in a similar or different manner than any of first support member 12, first base 14, second support member 16, and second base 18. For example, the cross-connecting member may include a weighted element, may be formed as a solid, weighted element, or may be partially or completely hollow.

Cross-connecting member 50 may also connect to the first and second support members in substantially the same manner as the first and second support members connect to the first and second bases. For example, the cross-connecting member may attach using fasteners like screws or bolts, or may be formed as part of a single piece with the first and second support members. It is contemplated that the first and second support members, the first and second bases, and the cross-connecting member may all be formed as a single unit.

Such an embodiment can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, which show a front view and a perspective view of a different embodiment of the squat step discussed herein. Squat step 110 includes first support member 112, first base 114, second support member 116, second base 118, and cross-connecting member 150 all formed as a single body. Axle 120 is attached to first support member 112 and second support member 118 using clamps 140. In order to provide height adjustments of axle 120, apertures 136A-C and 138A-C may be provided. The ends of axle 120 may be removable and repositioned in each hole as necessary. Alternatively, pins may be provided which connect the first and second support members to the axle, the pins being removable and capable of being set in position independent of the axle. In operation, squat step 110 will act substantially similar to squat step 10, it will merely have support members, bases, and cross-connecting member(s) which are formed as a single piece.

While in the foregoing there has been set forth various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the characteristics of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable squat step comprising: a first support member having a first base coupled thereto; a second support member having a second base coupled thereto, the second support member being laterally separated from the first support member by a distance; an axle having a first end and a second end, the axel extending the distance between the first support member and the second support member such that the first end of the axle connects to the first support member and the second end of the axle connects to the second support member, wherein the axle is connected to the first and second support members in a manner such that the axle is capable of moving in a forwards and a backwards direction relative to the first support member and the second support member.
 2. The portable squat step of claim 1 further comprising a cross-connecting member having a first end and a second end, the cross-connecting member extending the distance between the first support member and the second support member such that the first end of the cross-connecting member is coupled to the first support member and the second end of the cross-connecting member is coupled to the second support member.
 3. The portable squat step of claim 1 further comprising a cover element, the cover element being configured to engage and cover at least a portion of the axel.
 4. The portable squat step of claim 3 wherein the cover element is a cylindrical pad.
 5. The portable squat step of claim 4 wherein the cylindrical pad includes a channel for receiving the axle, the channel being sized so that the cylindrical pad can rotate relative to the axle.
 6. The portable squat step of claim 5 further comprising a support sleeve coupled to the axle proximate the channel for receiving the axle, the support sleeve facilitating rotation of the cover element relative to the axle.
 7. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the axle is L-shaped at the first end and the second end, a portion of L-shaped first end being received within a first aperture formed in the first support member and a portion of the L-shaped second end being received within a second aperture formed in the second support member.
 8. The portable squat step of claim 7 further comprising at least two clamps, wherein one clamp is configured proximate each of the first aperture and the second aperture to engage the respective L-shaped first end and the L-shaped second end of the axle.
 9. The portable squat step of claim 7 wherein the first support member and the second support member each include multiple apertures, each aperture being capable of receiving one of the L-shaped first end or L-shaped second end of the axle.
 10. The portable squat step of claim 7 wherein the first aperture and second aperture each include a channel and at least two notches.
 11. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the axle is a steel rod.
 12. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the axle is a wire.
 13. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the axle is formable.
 14. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the first base and the second base each include a weighted element.
 15. The portable squat step of claim 2 wherein the cross-connecting member includes a weighted element.
 16. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the first support member, the second support member, the first base, and the second base are at least partially hollow.
 17. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the first base and the second base each include at least one through hole for receiving a fastener, each through hole extending from a top surface of each respective base through a bottom surface of each respective base.
 18. The portable squat step of claim 1 wherein the position of the axle relative to the first and second support members and first and second bases may be adjusted in a vertical direction. 